Lipid Profile Test Results: How to Interpret Your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
A lipid panel test helps to measure the amount of certain fat molecules called lipids in the blood. In most cases, the lipid panel includes four different cholesterol measurements. This test also measures triglycerides.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to buildup in the blood vessels and arteries, damaging them and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Hence, healthcare providers use lipid panels for children and adults to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart disease, and stroke.
Lipid profile test is also known as lipid test, cholesterol panel, coronary risk panel, lipid test, fasting or non-fasting lipid panel.
What is a lipid panel used for?
Healthcare providers recommend lipid panels to diagnose any cardiovascular condition by analyzing cholesterol in the blood. This test also helps to diagnose other health conditions. Possible reasons for a lipid panel test include;
This routine test helps to determine if your cholesterol level is normal or falls into a borderline, intermediate, or high-risk category.
This test helps to monitor the cholesterol level if you have any abnormal results on the previous test or if you have any other risk of heart disease.
The lipid profile helps to monitor the body's response to cholesterol medications or lifestyle changes.
This test helps to diagnose specific medical conditions like liver disease.
Why do I need a lipid panel blood test?
There are multiple reasons why you may need a lipid panel blood test. Healthcare providers suggest lipid panel tests for screening and monitoring purposes. If you have some risks of cardiovascular disease, your doctor may suggest frequent screening through the lipid panel to check the elevated cholesterol levels. The possible risk factors for cardiovascular disease include;
- Having high cholesterol results.
- Smoking habits.
- Having obesity.
- Having prediabetes or diabetes.
- Having high blood pressure.
- Not being physically active.
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Having siblings or parents who developed heart disease at an early age.
In some cases, children also suffer from high cholesterol. So, your children may also need a lipid panel blood test. The cholesterol levels in children are linked to three main factors that include diet, obesity, and heredity. In most cases. Children with high cholesterol have a parent who also has elevated cholesterol levels.
Doctors mostly suggest lipid panels to screen or monitor cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers use the results as part of the diagnostic process for some health conditions that can affect lipid levels. Such health conditions are; hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, and chronic kidney disease. If you are dealing with these symptoms, your healthcare provider will undergo a lipid panel blood test.
What are the five tests in a lipid panel?
A lipid panel test usually measures five different types of lipids from your blood sample, including;
Total cholesterol: It shows your overall cholesterol level—the combination of LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C.
Low-density lipoprotein LDL: This cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol. It can collect in your blood vessels and enhance the risk of cardiovascular disease.
VLDL, or very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is present in very low amounts when the provider collects the blood in a fasting state. An increase in this cholesterol type may be a sign of abnormal lipid metabolism.
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol: It is known as good cholesterol that helps to decrease the buildup of LDL in the blood vessels.
Triglycerides: This fat comes from the foods that we eat. Excessive amounts of triglycerides cause cardiovascular disease and pancreatic inflammation.
These are the main measurements that you can expect from a standard lipid panel. However, some specific versions of the test may include other measurements as well.
What should I expect during my lipid panel blood test?
You can experience the following during a lipid panel blood test;
- You have to sit on a chair. A healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. They take the blood usually from the inner part of your arm or on the other side of the elbow.
- Once, your healthcare provider finds out the vein, they will clean and disinfect the particular area.
- Then the provider will insert a small needle into your vein to take a blood sample. It will feel like a small pinch.
After they insert the needle, they will collect the blood in a test tube. - Once the provider collects a sufficient amount of blood, they will remove the needle and hold on to a cotton ball or gauze in that place to stop the bleeding.
- They will place a bandage over the site and the procedure will be done.
- This entire procedure will take less than five minutes.
What are normal lipid panel results?
The optimal level for each of the four standard tests in a lipid panel is the following;
Total cholesterol: Below 200mg/dl.
HDL: Above 60 mg/dl.
LDL: Below 100 mg/dl. For people with diabetes, the level should be below 70 mg/dl.
Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dl.
If your results are higher or lower than the target lipid range, you may have a borderline or intermediate risk of cardiovascular issues. Usually, higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and lower-than-normal levels of HDL increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, it's rare to have extremely low levels of cholesterol. This condition may occur due to malnutrition.
Should I be concerned if I have abnormal lipid panel results?
If your lipid results show that you have high levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, or HDL, it doesn't mean that you are suffering from a medical condition or there is a requirement for treatment. A healthy cholesterol range depends on several factors. Your healthcare provider will consider the following factors while interpreting the lipid panel results:
- Your overall health status.
- Your age.
- Your medical history.
- Your present medications.
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Other risk factors due to cardiovascular disease.
Many healthcare providers use a risk calculator using these factors to determine if you need any further tests or treatment. To get more detailed information, you can consult your healthcare provider anytime.
What are the next steps if my lipid panel results are abnormal?
Several factors contribute to cardiovascular disease. So, there is no specific way to treat abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. If you have abnormal lipid panel results or cholesterol levels, the healthcare provider will recommend the following actions;
- Regular lipid monitoring.
- Having cholesterol-lowering medications.
- Bring changes in lifestyle.
Final Words
An abnormal lipid test result can be stressful for you. However, an abnormal lipid panel result doesn't mean that you need treatment. Your healthcare provider will share the best suggestions for you to deal with abnormal lipid range.
You can contact MyDiagnostics to get the assistance of the best medical experts and do your test within a justified price range.
FAQs
How to interpret lipid profile results?
A lipid profile test measures various levels of cholesterol in your blood. The normal interpretation of lipid profile test results should include;
Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dl.
HDL: Above 60 mg/dl.
LDL: Less than 100 mg/dl.
Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dl.
What is the normal range for HDL and LDL?
The normal range for HDL is greater than 60 mg/dl, and for LDL, the normal range is less than 100 mg/dl.
At what level should you worry about triglycerides?
You should worry about your triglyceride levels if they are 150 mg/dl or higher than this.
* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).
